Chris Boulous writes: The Broncos were seconds away from grand final glory and plenty of people expect them to be at the pointy end this season - and for good reason too. They bring two major things into 2016. Number one, James Roberts to replace the retired Justin Hodges and secondly, a lot of hunger after just falling short. last year. There is plenty of expectation at Parramatta too with the arrival of Kieran Foran, Michael Jennings and Beau Scott. The new Eels spine might take time to gel but they are not short of points with Jennings and Semi Radradra forming a lethal left edge. The Eels will be hoping for a repeat of last year where they disposed of Manly in the opening round.

Chris Boulous writes: A fascinating match-up between the new-look Sea Eagles against the battle-hardened Bulldogs. Des Hasler will be looking to continue his good record against his former club and will once again bankroll the team's fortunes on their big forwards. The spotlight will be on Moses Mbye to deliver the goods and form a good combination with Josh Reynolds.The loss of Brett Morris is a blow for the Dogs but might be cancelled out with Brett Stewart also in doubt. The Sea Eagles have named seven players to make their club debut, with five starting in the forwards. Nate Myles inherits the role of forward leader and he will need to hit the ground running to match the might of the Bulldogs pack.

Chris Boulous writes: Two of the potential big improvers go head to head in round one. The Raiders will reap the benefit of Aidan Sezer's kicking game and will be buoyed by the prospect of Englishman Elliot Whitehead. The Panthers will miss captain Matt Moylan to start the season but have added new recruits Trent Merrin and Peta Hiku to a team that struggled with injury in 2015. Both teams have X-factors in Blake Austin and Tyrone Peachey coming off the bench. Expect plenty of points with these teams combining for 110 points in their two games last year.

Chris Boulous writes: Two teams on either end of the spectrum. The Warriors enter 2016 with the weight of the world on their shoulders with big names Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke adding to their already impressive squad. It's finals or bust for the boys from across the ditch with Shaun Johnson likely to be given free rein with the steady Jeff Robson in the No.7 jumper. For the Tigers, drama has plagued their off-season and they will be missing Robbie Farah (injury) and Luke Brooks (suspension) for this one. James Tedesco holds all the aces for the home team and a fast start is the key to trumping the notorious slow-starting visitors. The joint venture will have good memories of playing the Warriors at Campbelltown after disposing of them 50-16 last year.

Chris Boulous writes: Two teams many expect to be in the top four square off in Townsville. Remarkably, the Cowboys have named the same 17 that won the grand final in October and looked sharp in their World Club Challenge win. Johnathan Thurston will once again lead an all-star cast that features his right-hand man Michael Morgan. The Sharks have a new halves pairing James Maloney and Chad Townsend but the same old desire to break their own premiership drought. Ben Barba has won the race for the fullback spot with youngsters Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes playing in the front line. The Sharks have a good record against the Cowboys, including two out of three wins last year. The one loss was a 39-0 defeat that eliminated them from the competition.

Chris Boulous writes: The Roosters are missing a lot of firepower to start 2016. Not only have attacking weapons Michael Jennings, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and James Maloney left the club, Mitchell Pearce, Boyd Cordner and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves are also unavailable. All eyes will be on rookie halves Jayden Nikorima and Jackson Hastings to see if they can keep their team in contention until the cavalry arrives. Long-time rivals South Sydney enter this year with their big three reunited - Greg Inglis, Adam Reynolds and Sam Burgess. They will also be missing some punch with George and Tom Burgess on the sidelines along with Luke Keary. A fully fit GI looms as the X-factor in this one.

Chris Boulous writes: It's hard to run the form line between these two two teams with an incredible seven players to make their NRL debut. Five of those are from the Knights who had seven new faces in total last year with the most important Trent Hodkinson. His combination with Jarrod Mullen give the Knights direction to go with an experienced forward pack led by Kade Snowden and Jeremy Smith. The Titans have a new halves combination in Tyrone Roberts and Ashley Taylor and have recruited some old heads in the pack to join veteran Greg Bird.

Chris Boulous writes: Billy Slater will play his first game since Origin II after being named at fullback. He will link with the usual suspects Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk in one of the most settled squads to start the year. Russell Packer's 995-day NRL exodus is over and he will start in the front row. Josh Dugan and Tim Lafai make up a new-look Dragons centre pairing, which means former Storm player Kurt Mann will play fullback.